A rare deep-sea oarfish, often linked to earthquake predictions and natural disasters, has washed up on the shores of Playa Quemada, Lanzarote, on February 10. The eerie discovery has sparked superstitions and fears, with many questioning if an upcoming seismic event is on the horizon.
What Makes the Oarfish So Mysterious?
The oarfish (Regalecus glesne) is a long, ribbon-shaped fish that typically inhabits the mesopelagic zone, a deep-sea region where sunlight cannot reach. Due to its elusive nature, the sighting of an oarfish near the surface is considered extremely rare.
In Japanese folklore, the oarfish is known as the “Messenger of the Sea God” or ryūgū no tsukai and is believed to appear before earthquakes and tsunamis. The link between oarfish sightings and seismic activity gained attention after 20 oarfish were found on Japanese shores before the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Viral Video Sparks Earthquake Fears
A video of the stranded oarfish in Lanzarote has gone viral on Instagram, garnering over nine million views. The clip shows a beachgoer approaching the massive silver fish with its distinctive orange fins as stunned onlookers react.
The comments section was filled with ominous warnings:
💬 “Something bad is going to happen.”
💬 “They show up before natural disasters.”
💬 “Usually, it means that an earthquake is coming when it appears on the surface of the water.”
Is There Scientific Truth Behind the Oarfish-Earthquake Myth?
While many dismiss the “doomsday fish” theory as mere superstition, some scientists suggest there could be a real link between oarfish behavior and seismic activity.
🔬 Possible Explanations:
✔️ Seismic Activity: In 2013, two oarfish washed up on California beaches, and scientists speculated they may have died due to underwater tremors occurring days or weeks before an earthquake.
✔️ Toxic Gas Release: Some researchers believe earthquakes release large amounts of carbon monoxide, which could force deep-sea creatures like oarfish to flee to the surface.
✔️ Electrostatic Charges: Dr. Rachel Grant, a lecturer in animal biology at Anglia Ruskin University, theorized that earthquake-related rock pressure could release electrically charged ions, causing the formation of hydrogen peroxide, a toxic compound that may force oarfish to leave their deep-sea habitats.
Should We Be Worried?
Despite its legendary status as a disaster predictor, there is no concrete scientific evidence that oarfish sightings directly correlate with earthquakes. However, the timing of past incidents has kept the mystery alive.
With the Lanzarote oarfish making headlines, many are watching closely for any seismic activity in the region. Could this be a mere coincidence, or is there truth behind the legend?
What Do You Think?
Do you believe the oarfish is a warning sign of an impending disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Image Source: Google
